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Alzheimer`s Disease/Memory Test
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Question
Hi,
I'm a high school student doing a research project on the effect of food on cognition and I'm trying to find an accurate, but simple (easy for a high school student to put together) memory test. I was wondering if you knew of any simple memory test- like something that could be used on an Alzheimer's patient. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
The most commonly used one is called the Folstein Mini-Mental Status Exam (it gets referred to as the MMSE). Its is a simple test that is administered in many doctors offices to see if there is any change in a person's cognition. Normal would be 30/30 , tho some say that some can be normal at 27/30. Once a patient drops below 26/30, that is a pretty good sign that something is going on.
Here is a site that has a student worksheet version that you can print out and adapt.
http://teachhealthk-12.uthscsa.edu/pa/pa03/0306cfolstein.htm
Here is some more information
http://www.fpnotebook.com/NEU72.htm
A short version
http://www.med.cam.ac.uk/html/teaching/Depmed/Phase1/mmse.html
You have to keep in mind Alzheimer's is a disease that causes brain damage to all parts of the brain - so it isn't just memory that is affected.
Hope this helps
Mary Gordon
Toronto
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Answers by Expert:
Mary Gordon
Expertise
Several years direct experience as caregiver for family member who died of end stage AD. Did lots of research and dealt with a lot of health care professionals and caregivers over the 7 years from diagnosis to the end. Used various care options from community based resources to increasing levels of institutional. Mother of three, two born during our loved one's decline, so I know what it is to be the ham in the sandwich, taking care of the older generation and the younger at the same time and trying to balance everyone`s needs. Ask me, I`ve probably been there, done that. We made lost of mistakes and learned everything the hard way - but you don`t have to! If I can`t answer your question, I`ll steer you to a place or person who can.
Experience
Currently a program manager for a large utility company. My Alzheimers experience comes from having the illness in our family. Out of necessity, we did a lot of research in order to understand the disease, plan for what might come next, and make the right decisions to help and support our loved one. Please note, I am a Canadian living in Toronto, and therefore am not the best person to ask about US regulations and insurance rules!
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